HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Baptist Church. — Quoting from Dr. Holden, we find that the Baptists were among the earlier inhabitants of this town and have always formed a considerable element of its population.
It has been impossible to obtain all the facts requisite to a complete record of their several organizations.
In some instances the minutes have been destroyed by fire; in others, they have been removed beyond reach, or lost through carelessness and indifference; while, with one or two exceptions, those who could have furnished reliable information concerning the annals of this denomination, are now numbered with the dead.
So far as can be astertained, the Baptists of Queensbury are, and have been of that class, distinguished as regular, or close communion Baptists.
By diligent and patient research, and investigation, we are enabled to present the following historic record concerning them.
Until the year 1795, it is believed that no effort had been made to organize a church within the limits of this town.
On the south side of the river, which was then embraced in the town of Saratoga, a society had been formed on the 19th of August, 1794, over which, according to existing records, Elder Calvin Hulbert presided as pastor for a number of years.
Among its members were some residing at what is known as the Big Bend of the Hudson River, four miles west of the village of Glens Falls, and it is quite possible that some of the number were residents on the Queensbury side of the river.
At the eastward a number of Baptist families were among the earliest settlers, by whom a society was organized at Kingsbury street in 1797, with Elder Ebenezer Willoughby as pastor.
This was connected with the Vermont Baptist Association, formed at Manchester, Vt., 1780; and which met at Middletown, Vt., October 4th, 1797, as shown by existing printed minutes.
At the northeast, in the town of Westfield, a church had been built up as early as 1789, under the pastoral care of Elder Sherman Babcock.
This is now designated as the First Baptist Church of Fort Anne; its place of meeting being at Comstock's Landing.
Being thus surrounded on three sides, as it were, by Baptist influences, it is nothing surprising that the town of Queensbury should have had a plentiful leaven of that element among its inhabitants at an early day.
From this small beginning, an outgrowth of four distinct churches has been developed in process of time, each of which have had a separate house of worship, in three distinct localities, at distances of five or six miles apart.
For convenience of reference these might be classified as follows, viz.:
1st, The Baptist Church of the Round Pond.
2d, The First Queensbury, or Oneida Church.
3d, The Second Queensbury, or West Mountain Church.
4th, The Baptist Church of Glens Falls.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Baptist Church of the Round Pond. — This church was one of the first fruits of the faith in this section, and had an entirely independent existence, having no connection during its organization with any association.
It was located on the south edge of the Round Pond, in a pine grove, about five miles distant from Glens Falls in a northerly direction.
The structure was of logs, and during the week did duty as a school-house, on Sundays the worshipers meeting there for divine service.
It was founded by Elder Rufus Bates,, a native of Coventry, R. I., where he was born in April, 1753.
He established the church and began his labors about 1794; in 1795 the church was built.
In the latter year Elder Hezekiah Eastman, of Danby, Vt., made a tour doing missionary work, and visited Round Pond, performing the rites of baptism while there upon several candidates.
In 1796, the church society was formally organized.
Elders Amasa Brown, of Hartford, and Sylvanus Haynes, of Middletown, Vt., officiating in the ordination services.
This church was known as "Elder Bates's Church," and during his ministry of thirty- four years he was a daily laborer for his bread, his yearly salary never exceeding, and rarely reaching the sum of $100.
In the early years of his ministry his parish embraced Harrisena, West Fort Anne, Bolton, Caldwell and Durkeetown, the total membership of which counted but a few over two hundred persons.
In June 1808, his house was burned and his aged father-in-law, Abner Goffe, perished.
In this conflagration whatever records of the church had been kept were consumed.
In 1828, at the age of seventy-five. Elder Bates retired from active ministerial duties, and passed his remaining years among his people, dying at the opening of the 1840 aged eighty-six.
After his death, the church over which he had so long presided was bereft of its counsellor and head, and began to scatter, so that in a few years it ceased its existence.
From 1802 until 1816 the Baptists of Durkeetown were considered as members of the Queensbury Church, transacting church affairs within themselves as an auxiliary, Elder Bates preaching for them occasionally, as also did Elder Clark.
In 1832 they organized themselves as a church, being the first Fort Edward church.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Baptist Church of the Round Pond. — This church was one of the first fruits of the faith in this section, and had an entirely independent existence, having no connection during its organization with any association.
It was located on the south edge of the Round Pond, in a pine grove, about five miles distant from Glens Falls in a northerly direction.
The structure was of logs, and during the week did duty as a school-house, on Sundays the worshipers meeting there for divine service.
It was founded by Elder Rufus Bates,, a native of Coventry, R. I., where he was born in April, 1753.
He established the church and began his labors about 1794; in 1795 the church was built.
In the latter year Elder Hezekiah Eastman, of Danby, Vt., made a tour doing missionary work, and visited Round Pond, performing the rites of baptism while there upon several candidates.
In 1796, the church society was formally organized.
Elders Amasa Brown, of Hartford, and Sylvanus Haynes, of Middletown, Vt., officiating in the ordination services.
This church was known as "Elder Bates's Church," and during his ministry of thirty- four years he was a daily laborer for his bread, his yearly salary never exceeding, and rarely reaching the sum of $100.
In the early years of his ministry his parish embraced Harrisena, West Fort Anne, Bolton, Caldwell and Durkeetown, the total membership of which counted but a few over two hundred persons.
In June 1808, his house was burned and his aged father-in-law, Abner Goffe, perished.
In this conflagration whatever records of the church had been kept were consumed.
In 1828, at the age of seventy-five. Elder Bates retired from active ministerial duties, and passed his remaining years among his people, dying at the opening of the 1840 aged eighty-six.
After his death, the church over which he had so long presided was bereft of its counsellor and head, and began to scatter, so that in a few years it ceased its existence.
From 1802 until 1816 the Baptists of Durkeetown were considered as members of the Queensbury Church, transacting church affairs within themselves as an auxiliary, Elder Bates preaching for them occasionally, as also did Elder Clark.
In 1832 they organized themselves as a church, being the first Fort Edward church.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The First Queensbury or Oneida Church — The interest which built up this congregation originated in a series of meetings held at Dunham's Bay, in the years 1831 and 1832.
These were instituted by Elder Phineas Culver, for a long period pastor of the Fort Anne and Kingsbury Churches, who, on a visit to his brother-in-law, William Lane, found a few faithful brethren living around the head waters of Lake George.
A revival ensued, several were added to the church, and after a period the meetings were removed to the Vaughn schoolhouse, not far from the present residence of Reuben Seelye, esq.
The meetings were continued here, and in various adjacent school-houses, until the house of worship at the Oneida was erected.
The church organization is here given from their own record book in the following language: "Be it remembered that on this 13th day of November, 1832, the following brethren and sisters met according to previous appointment, and entered into Church Covenant with each other, at the house of William Lane, in Queensbury, viz: James Fuller, Franklin Guilford, Aaron Kidder, Isaac Nelson, A. M. Odell, Eli Pettis, Betsey Fuller, Samantha Guilford, Amanda Kidder, Amy Nelson, Marian Odell, Lucy Pettis, William Niles."
It is further recorded that they "adopted, as a brief summary of their faith, the articles of faith and covenant of the Kingsbury Church, while they received the New Testament in common with the Old, as their only rule of faith and practice."
"Elders William Grant and Phineas Culver being present, assisted in the organization, giving them fellowship and hearty approbation, and Elder Culver preached the constituting sermon."
"Austin M. Odell was chosen clerk and Aaron Kidder their first deacon, who, with Ansel Winchip, was formally ordained on the 20th of February, 1834."
Having no regular pastor nor house of worship for years, the organization increased but slowly.
In September, 1833, they united with the Lake George Baptist Association, which at that time held its 17th anniversary at Hague, Warren county, N. Y.
The association then reported eleven churches, seven pastors, and 988 members in their whole body.
While this new interest, of nineteen members only, was not identical in organization with Elder Bates's church, it was its successor on nearly the same territory, and among many of the same people.
No doubt some of his flock came into the new church, since it is recorded that Elder Bates and his wife joined by letters from the second Fort Anne church, at Welch Hollow at South Bay, on the 9th of August, 1834.
Although an octogenarian he was chosen a delegate to the association which met that year at Caldwell.
His associates were A. M. Odell, Ansel Winchip, William Niles, and T. Guilford.
The necessities of the people had called for Baptist preaching about this period, and various ministers had come into town, preached and baptized their converts, thereby adding them to their respective churches in adjacent towns.
Among this number Elder John C. Holt, of Moreau, had officiated here, and in a powerful revival of religion during the years 1832-33, he added about eighty to his church, a large proportion of whom lived in this town, and afterwards helped to swell the ranks of its rising churches.
On the west, Elder Stephen Call, pastor of the Luzerne Church, made frequent inroads, and baptized converts into his church, who subsequently aided in establishing the West or Mountain Church.
During the first four years there were comparatively few accessions to the church at the Oneida.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The First Queensbury or Oneida Church — The interest which built up this congregation originated in a series of meetings held at Dunham's Bay, in the years 1831 and 1832.
These were instituted by Elder Phineas Culver, for a long period pastor of the Fort Anne and Kingsbury Churches, who, on a visit to his brother-in-law, William Lane, found a few faithful brethren living around the head waters of Lake George.
A revival ensued, several were added to the church, and after a period the meetings were removed to the Vaughn schoolhouse, not far from the present residence of Reuben Seelye, esq.
The meetings were continued here, and in various adjacent school-houses, until the house of worship at the Oneida was erected.
The church organization is here given from their own record book in the following language: "Be it remembered that on this 13th day of November, 1832, the following brethren and sisters met according to previous appointment, and entered into Church Covenant with each other, at the house of William Lane, in Queensbury, viz: James Fuller, Franklin Guilford, Aaron Kidder, Isaac Nelson, A. M. Odell, Eli Pettis, Betsey Fuller, Samantha Guilford, Amanda Kidder, Amy Nelson, Marian Odell, Lucy Pettis, William Niles."
It is further recorded that they "adopted, as a brief summary of their faith, the articles of faith and covenant of the Kingsbury Church, while they received the New Testament in common with the Old, as their only rule of faith and practice."
"Elders William Grant and Phineas Culver being present, assisted in the organization, giving them fellowship and hearty approbation, and Elder Culver preached the constituting sermon."
"Austin M. Odell was chosen clerk and Aaron Kidder their first deacon, who, with Ansel Winchip, was formally ordained on the 20th of February, 1834."
Having no regular pastor nor house of worship for years, the organization increased but slowly.
In September, 1833, they united with the Lake George Baptist Association, which at that time held its 17th anniversary at Hague, Warren county, N. Y.
The association then reported eleven churches, seven pastors, and 988 members in their whole body.
While this new interest, of nineteen members only, was not identical in organization with Elder Bates's church, it was its successor on nearly the same territory, and among many of the same people.
No doubt some of his flock came into the new church, since it is recorded that Elder Bates and his wife joined by letters from the second Fort Anne church, at Welch Hollow at South Bay, on the 9th of August, 1834.
Although an octogenarian he was chosen a delegate to the association which met that year at Caldwell.
His associates were A. M. Odell, Ansel Winchip, William Niles, and T. Guilford.
The necessities of the people had called for Baptist preaching about this period, and various ministers had come into town, preached and baptized their converts, thereby adding them to their respective churches in adjacent towns.
Among this number Elder John C. Holt, of Moreau, had officiated here, and in a powerful revival of religion during the years 1832-33, he added about eighty to his church, a large proportion of whom lived in this town, and afterwards helped to swell the ranks of its rising churches.
On the west, Elder Stephen Call, pastor of the Luzerne Church, made frequent inroads, and baptized converts into his church, who subsequently aided in establishing the West or Mountain Church.
During the first four years there were comparatively few accessions to the church at the Oneida.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The First Queensbury or Oneida Church, concluded ...
In the fall of 1835 there was reported a membership of thirty-five, with Elder John Scofield as pastor, who served in that capacity until the spring of 1837.
During his pastorate the house of worship near the Oneida was erected, and although the humble edifice was not entirely finished, the Lake George Association held its twentieth anniversary there on the 7th and 8th of September, 1836.
The venerable Elder Bates, then eighty-four years of age, with Elder Scofield, Deacon Ansel Winchip, J. Winchip, and E. Sargeant, were the delegates on that occasion.
The meeting was one of unusual interest, and was followed by a revival in which twenty-five converts were added and eighteen members joined by letter, thus increasing the membership to seventy- four.
Elder Jeremy H. Dwyer assisted the pastor during the season of revival.
In the spring of 1838, Marvin Eastwood, who. had been reared in the west part of the town, and licensed to preach by the Mountain Church, began to labor with this congregation, and on the 11th of September following was ordained to the ministry.
A revival soon followed and by the ensuing spring fifty-five converts had been added to the church, which, with those who joined by letter, swelled the membership to 127.
During this pastorate the church was increased to its maximum number of 140 members.
Elder Eastwood removed to Waterford in 1 841 and was succeeded by Elder Simon Fletcher who had charge of the church for one year.
Elder John Duncan, who had been pastor of the church at Kingsbury street, served the church another year.
The next in order in charge of this church was Elder O. H. Capron, from Galway, N. Y., who remained three years, during which period an interesting revival season was held, in which about twenty-five were added to the church.
Its total membership at this time was reported at 131.
He left in 1846, and subsequently returned for another term of labor in 1851—52, with small results in the way of church growth.
In 1853 he removed to Hebron, Washington county, and Elder John H. Barker became pastor to the church, remaining in charge two years.
During the interval between the years 1846 and 1851, Elder Ira Bentley officiated for about two years, dating from 1859.
Since 1853 no regular pastor has been settled over the church, although from 1858 until about 1861, occasional services were held, which were conducted by Elders C. R. Green and Ransom O. Dyer.
During the years between 1833 and 1839, it was a connection of the Lake George Baptist Association; after that date it became a part of the Washington Union.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The First Queensbury or Oneida Church, concluded ...
In the fall of 1835 there was reported a membership of thirty-five, with Elder John Scofield as pastor, who served in that capacity until the spring of 1837.
During his pastorate the house of worship near the Oneida was erected, and although the humble edifice was not entirely finished, the Lake George Association held its twentieth anniversary there on the 7th and 8th of September, 1836.
The venerable Elder Bates, then eighty-four years of age, with Elder Scofield, Deacon Ansel Winchip, J. Winchip, and E. Sargeant, were the delegates on that occasion.
The meeting was one of unusual interest, and was followed by a revival in which twenty-five converts were added and eighteen members joined by letter, thus increasing the membership to seventy- four.
Elder Jeremy H. Dwyer assisted the pastor during the season of revival.
In the spring of 1838, Marvin Eastwood, who. had been reared in the west part of the town, and licensed to preach by the Mountain Church, began to labor with this congregation, and on the 11th of September following was ordained to the ministry.
A revival soon followed and by the ensuing spring fifty-five converts had been added to the church, which, with those who joined by letter, swelled the membership to 127.
During this pastorate the church was increased to its maximum number of 140 members.
Elder Eastwood removed to Waterford in 1 841 and was succeeded by Elder Simon Fletcher who had charge of the church for one year.
Elder John Duncan, who had been pastor of the church at Kingsbury street, served the church another year.
The next in order in charge of this church was Elder O. H. Capron, from Galway, N. Y., who remained three years, during which period an interesting revival season was held, in which about twenty-five were added to the church.
Its total membership at this time was reported at 131.
He left in 1846, and subsequently returned for another term of labor in 1851—52, with small results in the way of church growth.
In 1853 he removed to Hebron, Washington county, and Elder John H. Barker became pastor to the church, remaining in charge two years.
During the interval between the years 1846 and 1851, Elder Ira Bentley officiated for about two years, dating from 1859.
Since 1853 no regular pastor has been settled over the church, although from 1858 until about 1861, occasional services were held, which were conducted by Elders C. R. Green and Ransom O. Dyer.
During the years between 1833 and 1839, it was a connection of the Lake George Baptist Association; after that date it became a part of the Washington Union.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Second Queensbury, or West Mountain Church. — In the southwestern part of the town, in the earlier days, were a small number of Baptists who were probably connected with the Moreau Church for a while.
These were afterwards united to the Luzerne church over the mountain, which, from 1813 to 1827, was attached to the Saratoga Association.
Since that period the progress and history of this interest can be traced by the aid of the minutes of the Washington and Washington Union Baptist Association, with which it has been connected.
In June, 1827, at the first anniversary of the association above named, the Luzerne church was represented by Elder Stephen Call and Allen Seymour, who reported 108 members in the fellowship.
The next year it was designated as the Baptist Church of Luzerne and Queensbury, and Elder Call, D. Fairchild, and Henry Moses were the delegates.
How many of this church were residents of Queensbury, there are no present means of determining.
Elder Call continued his pastorate as late as the year 1837.
When the Washington Union Association was formed at Hartford, N. Y., in June, 1835, by the consolidation of the Washington and Bottskill bodies, this church went into the new organization, reporting at that time thirty-four baptisms and a total of one hundred and twenty-seven members.
The digest of the state of the churches for 1836 says of this church: They are inconveniently situated, being separated by a rugged mountain, in consequence of which the members on either side have but little intercourse, and they think of becoming two separate churches.
In 1838 the Luzerne Church was present with returns of only forty-nine members, and Deacon Moses Randall, who had been recently licensed, as their preacher.
The Second Queensbury was represented in the association the same year by Elder Charles Williams, Deacon David Barber, Lewis Wood, Henry Moses and David Williams.
They reported no aggregate membership, but we find the following in the digest of that year.
"The Second Baptist Church in Queensbury has been constituted since our last session, have enjoyed a powerful revival of religion, and have received an addition of forty or fifty by baptism."
"Have a Sabbath-school and bible-class, and are in union."
"Elder J. H. Dwyer preaches to them one-fourth part of the time."
With those set off from Luzerne they must have numbered about eighty members.
The germ of this new church was called Elder Williams's Conference, and Elder A. Wait, of Fort Edward, Norman Fox, residing at Glens Falls, and supplying the Kingsbury church, and John Scofield of the Oneida, preached and baptized here occasionally.
Elder Williams was reported as pastor from 1838 to 1841, during which period the meeting-house at the foot of the mountain was erected and dedicated.
The site was given by Abraham Van Duzen and the house was built by contributions from David Burnham and son and other Baptist friends.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Second Queensbury, or West Mountain Church. — In the southwestern part of the town, in the earlier days, were a small number of Baptists who were probably connected with the Moreau Church for a while.
These were afterwards united to the Luzerne church over the mountain, which, from 1813 to 1827, was attached to the Saratoga Association.
Since that period the progress and history of this interest can be traced by the aid of the minutes of the Washington and Washington Union Baptist Association, with which it has been connected.
In June, 1827, at the first anniversary of the association above named, the Luzerne church was represented by Elder Stephen Call and Allen Seymour, who reported 108 members in the fellowship.
The next year it was designated as the Baptist Church of Luzerne and Queensbury, and Elder Call, D. Fairchild, and Henry Moses were the delegates.
How many of this church were residents of Queensbury, there are no present means of determining.
Elder Call continued his pastorate as late as the year 1837.
When the Washington Union Association was formed at Hartford, N. Y., in June, 1835, by the consolidation of the Washington and Bottskill bodies, this church went into the new organization, reporting at that time thirty-four baptisms and a total of one hundred and twenty-seven members.
The digest of the state of the churches for 1836 says of this church: They are inconveniently situated, being separated by a rugged mountain, in consequence of which the members on either side have but little intercourse, and they think of becoming two separate churches.
In 1838 the Luzerne Church was present with returns of only forty-nine members, and Deacon Moses Randall, who had been recently licensed, as their preacher.
The Second Queensbury was represented in the association the same year by Elder Charles Williams, Deacon David Barber, Lewis Wood, Henry Moses and David Williams.
They reported no aggregate membership, but we find the following in the digest of that year.
"The Second Baptist Church in Queensbury has been constituted since our last session, have enjoyed a powerful revival of religion, and have received an addition of forty or fifty by baptism."
"Have a Sabbath-school and bible-class, and are in union."
"Elder J. H. Dwyer preaches to them one-fourth part of the time."
With those set off from Luzerne they must have numbered about eighty members.
The germ of this new church was called Elder Williams's Conference, and Elder A. Wait, of Fort Edward, Norman Fox, residing at Glens Falls, and supplying the Kingsbury church, and John Scofield of the Oneida, preached and baptized here occasionally.
Elder Williams was reported as pastor from 1838 to 1841, during which period the meeting-house at the foot of the mountain was erected and dedicated.
The site was given by Abraham Van Duzen and the house was built by contributions from David Burnham and son and other Baptist friends.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church. — On the 1st day of October, 1876, the Rev. A. J. Fennel, the revered pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, preached a sermon embodying a history of the church, it being the thirtieth anniversary of his pastorate.
From that sermon we have condensed the following sketch: We come now to the time when the Presbyterian element, which had come in with new settlers, began to make itself manifest.
Except the Rev. Anthony Paul —supposed to have been educated by President Wheelock, and duly licensed in Connecticut — who preached around the shores of Lake George, there had never been a Presbyterian minister resident in the county, and is presumed that there had never been heard, except from this Christian Indian, but few Presbyterian sermons.
The Methodists had a flourishing society on the Ridge, which had grown out of the preaching of Lorenzo Dow; and in Johnsburgh they had a society watched over by the local preacher David Noble.
Nearly forty years had passed since the settlement of the town, and as yet we had here no name.
Moreau already had a Congregational Church, with two houses of worship, and was just settling a pastor, the Rev. Lebbeus Armstrong.
This may have somewhat interested and aroused the people here.
The village occupying this spot, then called Pearl Village, had become a place of considerable trade, had a good hotel, mills on the falls, and a somewhat larger number, in proportion to the whole population, of intelligent and enterprising citizens.
The movement for a house of worship seems to have been spontaneous and general, and there being as yet no church organization, it took both the form and name of a Union — and the house thus built was for many years occupied by different denominations.
A subscription "to build a house of publick worship in the Town of Queensbury, County of Washington, somewhere near the Four Corners," was drawn up on the 4th of March, 1803.
On the first day of June following the number of subscribers having reached thirty-eight and the aggregate amount $974, "a majority of the subscribers being met," a committee of seven 1 was appointed to collect the sums subscribed and erect the church.
With this inadequate amount it could not have been expected that the house would soon be finished.
It was probably soon raised and enclosed.
Three years afterward, June 1st, 1800, the number of subscribers had reached eighty-one and the amount $1292.50.
Afterward we find names increasing the whole number of contributors to ninety-nine.
The society elected trustees 2 and effected a legal organization on the 23d day of July, 1807, under the name of the "Union Church of Pearl Village," which name was changed to "First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls" in 1848.
A year following (July 30th, 1808) the trustees made a contract with Parsons Ranger, who had been the builder thus far, and who now associated with him Lester Stebbins of Lake George, to complete the house of worship for $750.
The work specified as then remaining to be done shows that the whole five years had elapsed without the building reaching a proper condition to be occupied.
It was now completed according to the contract "within the space of five months;" and within a few days, December 18th, 1808, a church was organized by Rev. Jonas Coe, of Troy, consisting of nine members, all of whom now sleep.
They were John Folsom, Solomon P. Goodrich, Elizabeth Folsom, Ann Goodrich, Glorianna Folsom, Mary Folsom, John Moss, jr., Naomi Ranger, Amy Sanford.
The pews in the new church were sold subject to rent; and this was probably the way by which the money was raised to pay for the finishing work.
1 This committee consisted of Micajah Petit, William Roljaids, Jolin V. W. Huyck, Peter Peck, John Mallory, Warren Ferriss, and John McGill.
2 The first trustees were William Robards, Daniel Peck, John Folsom, William Hay, Micajah Petit and John A. Ferriss.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church. — On the 1st day of October, 1876, the Rev. A. J. Fennel, the revered pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls, preached a sermon embodying a history of the church, it being the thirtieth anniversary of his pastorate.
From that sermon we have condensed the following sketch: We come now to the time when the Presbyterian element, which had come in with new settlers, began to make itself manifest.
Except the Rev. Anthony Paul —supposed to have been educated by President Wheelock, and duly licensed in Connecticut — who preached around the shores of Lake George, there had never been a Presbyterian minister resident in the county, and is presumed that there had never been heard, except from this Christian Indian, but few Presbyterian sermons.
The Methodists had a flourishing society on the Ridge, which had grown out of the preaching of Lorenzo Dow; and in Johnsburgh they had a society watched over by the local preacher David Noble.
Nearly forty years had passed since the settlement of the town, and as yet we had here no name.
Moreau already had a Congregational Church, with two houses of worship, and was just settling a pastor, the Rev. Lebbeus Armstrong.
This may have somewhat interested and aroused the people here.
The village occupying this spot, then called Pearl Village, had become a place of considerable trade, had a good hotel, mills on the falls, and a somewhat larger number, in proportion to the whole population, of intelligent and enterprising citizens.
The movement for a house of worship seems to have been spontaneous and general, and there being as yet no church organization, it took both the form and name of a Union — and the house thus built was for many years occupied by different denominations.
A subscription "to build a house of publick worship in the Town of Queensbury, County of Washington, somewhere near the Four Corners," was drawn up on the 4th of March, 1803.
On the first day of June following the number of subscribers having reached thirty-eight and the aggregate amount $974, "a majority of the subscribers being met," a committee of seven 1 was appointed to collect the sums subscribed and erect the church.
With this inadequate amount it could not have been expected that the house would soon be finished.
It was probably soon raised and enclosed.
Three years afterward, June 1st, 1800, the number of subscribers had reached eighty-one and the amount $1292.50.
Afterward we find names increasing the whole number of contributors to ninety-nine.
The society elected trustees 2 and effected a legal organization on the 23d day of July, 1807, under the name of the "Union Church of Pearl Village," which name was changed to "First Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls" in 1848.
A year following (July 30th, 1808) the trustees made a contract with Parsons Ranger, who had been the builder thus far, and who now associated with him Lester Stebbins of Lake George, to complete the house of worship for $750.
The work specified as then remaining to be done shows that the whole five years had elapsed without the building reaching a proper condition to be occupied.
It was now completed according to the contract "within the space of five months;" and within a few days, December 18th, 1808, a church was organized by Rev. Jonas Coe, of Troy, consisting of nine members, all of whom now sleep.
They were John Folsom, Solomon P. Goodrich, Elizabeth Folsom, Ann Goodrich, Glorianna Folsom, Mary Folsom, John Moss, jr., Naomi Ranger, Amy Sanford.
The pews in the new church were sold subject to rent; and this was probably the way by which the money was raised to pay for the finishing work.
1 This committee consisted of Micajah Petit, William Roljaids, Jolin V. W. Huyck, Peter Peck, John Mallory, Warren Ferriss, and John McGill.
2 The first trustees were William Robards, Daniel Peck, John Folsom, William Hay, Micajah Petit and John A. Ferriss.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church, continued ...
Undoubtedly before this time Presbyterian or Congregational ministers must have occasionally been here and preached — Mr. Armstrong had already been the pastor of the Congregational Church in Moreau for five years and at least three years before had organized the Congregational Church of Kingsbury — but with a single exception I cannot learn that any one had ever been employed here to statedly preach the Word.
The Rev. William Boardman was the first resident minister of the church.
Commencing his labors in the spring of 1809 and closing them in the fall of 1811, he was here about two years and a half.
It is not probable that he was installed.
He came here from Duanesburgh, near Schenectady, where he commenced his ministry in 1803, and where he had been pastor therefore for six years.
He was a native of Williamstown, Mass., and a graduate of Williams College.
Yet a young man only twenty-eight years of age, scholarly, earnest, a good preacher, very genial and kindly in all social relations, there is evidence existing here yet that he was greatly beloved, and that his departure to take charge of a church in Newtown, Long Island, was much regretted.
During a portion and perhaps all of the time that Mr. Boardman preached here, he also supplied the church at Sandy Hill.
Indeed, it was probably during the time that he was here that the two churches became consolidated, forming the "United Church of Kingsbury and Queensbury."
These two churches, harmoniously uniting in one, and dividing between them the services of one minister as they did for about twenty years, that together they might be able to support the Gospel without missionary help, afford an example to many small churches now that are near each other, which it might not be amiss for them to appreciate and practice.
Mr. Boardman's salary was $350 in this village; how much it was in Sandy Hill I have not learned.
From the time of Mr. Boardman's leaving, September, 1811, to the coming of Mr. Rodgers, in March, 1820, there were eight years and a half, during which, with a single exception, it does not seem that the church enjoyed the stated services of any minister.
This exception is in the case of Mr. Sears, who seems to have been here for at least six months, embracing the latter half of 1812.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church, continued ...
Undoubtedly before this time Presbyterian or Congregational ministers must have occasionally been here and preached — Mr. Armstrong had already been the pastor of the Congregational Church in Moreau for five years and at least three years before had organized the Congregational Church of Kingsbury — but with a single exception I cannot learn that any one had ever been employed here to statedly preach the Word.
The Rev. William Boardman was the first resident minister of the church.
Commencing his labors in the spring of 1809 and closing them in the fall of 1811, he was here about two years and a half.
It is not probable that he was installed.
He came here from Duanesburgh, near Schenectady, where he commenced his ministry in 1803, and where he had been pastor therefore for six years.
He was a native of Williamstown, Mass., and a graduate of Williams College.
Yet a young man only twenty-eight years of age, scholarly, earnest, a good preacher, very genial and kindly in all social relations, there is evidence existing here yet that he was greatly beloved, and that his departure to take charge of a church in Newtown, Long Island, was much regretted.
During a portion and perhaps all of the time that Mr. Boardman preached here, he also supplied the church at Sandy Hill.
Indeed, it was probably during the time that he was here that the two churches became consolidated, forming the "United Church of Kingsbury and Queensbury."
These two churches, harmoniously uniting in one, and dividing between them the services of one minister as they did for about twenty years, that together they might be able to support the Gospel without missionary help, afford an example to many small churches now that are near each other, which it might not be amiss for them to appreciate and practice.
Mr. Boardman's salary was $350 in this village; how much it was in Sandy Hill I have not learned.
From the time of Mr. Boardman's leaving, September, 1811, to the coming of Mr. Rodgers, in March, 1820, there were eight years and a half, during which, with a single exception, it does not seem that the church enjoyed the stated services of any minister.
This exception is in the case of Mr. Sears, who seems to have been here for at least six months, embracing the latter half of 1812.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church, continued ...
January 8th, 1813, the trustees purchased of Henry Spencer for $25, "an acre and a quarter and one rod, as glebe for the use of the church."
This became what we now know as the "Old Burial-place."
That it was designed for such use is not learned from the deed, but from the fact that it was immediately put to this use; and the next spring. May 10th, 1813, Mr. Folsom, who was collector and treasurer of the society, was authorized to "contract with someone for fencing the burial-place."
Previous to this time the village burying-ground was on the bluff now occupied by the old stone church.
Also, at the same date Mr. Folsom was authorized to '"purchase a bell for the church, provided he can obtain money for the purpose."
It is evident that he succeeded, for in his account as treasurer we find the items, "Cash for bell, $306," and "Cash for fetching up the bell, $3."
And the next November, 1813, Mr. J. Cunningham was employed to "ring the bell three times a day for the use of the village, and Sabbath days for the use of the church, for $40, payable every six months."
During the next few years we only get glimpses of the church through the records of the session and the trustees, and the account of the treasurer.
We find the name of Dr. Coe, of Troy, as many as seven times, nearly or quite every time he administered the ordinances of the United Church; the name of Dr. Blatchford, of Lansingburgh; of Mr. Furman, Mr. Clark, Mr. Tomb, of Salem; Mr. Hardy (three Sabbaths), Mr. Brownell, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Armstrong, of Moreau.
Occurring as these names do, scattered along through this whole period, we find in this fact evidence of the weak condition of the church, that it was not able to command stated preaching.
It should, however, be recorded, as yet in the remembrance of some now living, that religious services were maintained much of this time by Mr. Folsom and Mr. Goodrich — Mr. Folsom preaching the Word.
There seems to have been much more than ordinary interest and life in the church, especially at Sandy Hill, in 1816-17.
At a communion administered by Dr. Coe, November, 1816, twenty-five persons were admitted to the church; and the next March thirteen by Mr. Armstrong.
And as though Providence was preparing the way for a pastor, and at the same time showing that he could work and give a measure of prosperity without one, at the beginning of the year, just before Mr. Rodgers's arrival, the session, which for almost the whole time of the church's existence had consisted of the two original members, was increased by the addition of six persons — John Thomas, Luther Johnson, S. P. Goodrich, Samuel Cranston, Daniel Beaumont, and Edward Moss — who were ordained by Dr. Coe in the court-house at Sandy Hill, January 30th, 1820.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church, continued ...
January 8th, 1813, the trustees purchased of Henry Spencer for $25, "an acre and a quarter and one rod, as glebe for the use of the church."
This became what we now know as the "Old Burial-place."
That it was designed for such use is not learned from the deed, but from the fact that it was immediately put to this use; and the next spring. May 10th, 1813, Mr. Folsom, who was collector and treasurer of the society, was authorized to "contract with someone for fencing the burial-place."
Previous to this time the village burying-ground was on the bluff now occupied by the old stone church.
Also, at the same date Mr. Folsom was authorized to '"purchase a bell for the church, provided he can obtain money for the purpose."
It is evident that he succeeded, for in his account as treasurer we find the items, "Cash for bell, $306," and "Cash for fetching up the bell, $3."
And the next November, 1813, Mr. J. Cunningham was employed to "ring the bell three times a day for the use of the village, and Sabbath days for the use of the church, for $40, payable every six months."
During the next few years we only get glimpses of the church through the records of the session and the trustees, and the account of the treasurer.
We find the name of Dr. Coe, of Troy, as many as seven times, nearly or quite every time he administered the ordinances of the United Church; the name of Dr. Blatchford, of Lansingburgh; of Mr. Furman, Mr. Clark, Mr. Tomb, of Salem; Mr. Hardy (three Sabbaths), Mr. Brownell, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Armstrong, of Moreau.
Occurring as these names do, scattered along through this whole period, we find in this fact evidence of the weak condition of the church, that it was not able to command stated preaching.
It should, however, be recorded, as yet in the remembrance of some now living, that religious services were maintained much of this time by Mr. Folsom and Mr. Goodrich — Mr. Folsom preaching the Word.
There seems to have been much more than ordinary interest and life in the church, especially at Sandy Hill, in 1816-17.
At a communion administered by Dr. Coe, November, 1816, twenty-five persons were admitted to the church; and the next March thirteen by Mr. Armstrong.
And as though Providence was preparing the way for a pastor, and at the same time showing that he could work and give a measure of prosperity without one, at the beginning of the year, just before Mr. Rodgers's arrival, the session, which for almost the whole time of the church's existence had consisted of the two original members, was increased by the addition of six persons — John Thomas, Luther Johnson, S. P. Goodrich, Samuel Cranston, Daniel Beaumont, and Edward Moss — who were ordained by Dr. Coe in the court-house at Sandy Hill, January 30th, 1820.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church, continued ...
We come now to the first regular pastorate of the church — one extending over considerable time and having a good degree of success.
Ravaud K. Rodgers, a grandson of one of the early and prominent ministers of New York, and a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York, was spending the winter of 1819—20 as a missionary in the bounds of what was then the Presbyteries of Columbia and Champlain.
In the course of his evangelistic work and on his way northward, he spent a couple of Sabbaths at Sandy Hill and Glens Falls.
The people of the United Church were so pleased with him and his preaching, that on his return in March he was invited to remain for a year as stated supply, in the hope that by that time they might be in a situation to give him a call for a permanent settlement.
His acceptance of this invitation, and how the hope of the church was realized, may be easily inferred from the following minute on the fly-leaf of the church register, in Mr. Rodgers's own fine handwriting: "On Wednesday, the 14th day of March, 1821, Ravaud K. Rodgers was ordained to the gospel ministry, and installed pastor of the United Church of Kingsbury and Queensbury."
"On this occasion a sermon was delivered by the Rev. Jonas Coe, D. D., of Troy, from II. Timothy, 4: 1,2."
"The Rev. Samuel Tomb, of Salem, presided and made the consecrating prayer."
"The Rev. Nathaniel Prime, of Cambridge, gave the charge to the pastor; and the Rev. Ethan Smith, of Hebron, addressed the people."
Mr. Rodgers's farewell sermon to the congregation at Glens Falls, was on the eighth anniversary of his settlement, March 14th, 1829; although the dissolution of the pastoral relation did not take place till the 28th of April following, at Pittstown.
His entire ministry to the church, therefore, it will be seen extended through nine years.
The United Church, on petition of the members, had already been divided by the Presbytery into two distinct churches, August 27th, 1827, to be known as "The Presbyterian Church of Sandy Hill," and " The Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls."
Mr. Rodgers continued pastor of the church at Sandy Hill till February, 1830, nearly another year.
During the nine years of this ministry to both congregations there were received to the church on profession of faith one hundred and ninety-two persons; only about three-eighths (seventy-three) of them however belonged to the branch of Glens Falls.
During the year 1824 there was a very deep religious interest in both places.
It is no doubt to the communion on the 14th of March, of this year, that the doctor refers in his Fifty Years in the Ministry, where he says: "We had some seasons of delightful refreshing from the Lord."
"I can never forget one of commanding interest, when nearly one hundred persons came out from the world and took the vows of God upon them."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church, continued ...
We come now to the first regular pastorate of the church — one extending over considerable time and having a good degree of success.
Ravaud K. Rodgers, a grandson of one of the early and prominent ministers of New York, and a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York, was spending the winter of 1819—20 as a missionary in the bounds of what was then the Presbyteries of Columbia and Champlain.
In the course of his evangelistic work and on his way northward, he spent a couple of Sabbaths at Sandy Hill and Glens Falls.
The people of the United Church were so pleased with him and his preaching, that on his return in March he was invited to remain for a year as stated supply, in the hope that by that time they might be in a situation to give him a call for a permanent settlement.
His acceptance of this invitation, and how the hope of the church was realized, may be easily inferred from the following minute on the fly-leaf of the church register, in Mr. Rodgers's own fine handwriting: "On Wednesday, the 14th day of March, 1821, Ravaud K. Rodgers was ordained to the gospel ministry, and installed pastor of the United Church of Kingsbury and Queensbury."
"On this occasion a sermon was delivered by the Rev. Jonas Coe, D. D., of Troy, from II. Timothy, 4: 1,2."
"The Rev. Samuel Tomb, of Salem, presided and made the consecrating prayer."
"The Rev. Nathaniel Prime, of Cambridge, gave the charge to the pastor; and the Rev. Ethan Smith, of Hebron, addressed the people."
Mr. Rodgers's farewell sermon to the congregation at Glens Falls, was on the eighth anniversary of his settlement, March 14th, 1829; although the dissolution of the pastoral relation did not take place till the 28th of April following, at Pittstown.
His entire ministry to the church, therefore, it will be seen extended through nine years.
The United Church, on petition of the members, had already been divided by the Presbytery into two distinct churches, August 27th, 1827, to be known as "The Presbyterian Church of Sandy Hill," and " The Presbyterian Church of Glens Falls."
Mr. Rodgers continued pastor of the church at Sandy Hill till February, 1830, nearly another year.
During the nine years of this ministry to both congregations there were received to the church on profession of faith one hundred and ninety-two persons; only about three-eighths (seventy-three) of them however belonged to the branch of Glens Falls.
During the year 1824 there was a very deep religious interest in both places.
It is no doubt to the communion on the 14th of March, of this year, that the doctor refers in his Fifty Years in the Ministry, where he says: "We had some seasons of delightful refreshing from the Lord."
"I can never forget one of commanding interest, when nearly one hundred persons came out from the world and took the vows of God upon them."
TO BE CONTINUED ...
Re: THE POT BELLY STOVE ROOM
HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS, continued ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church, continued ...
Nine years ago, in my Historical Sketch, the first discourse delivered in this house, I took occasion to refer to the great amount of discipline which was administered in 1828.
It astonished me that a session should have occasion for so much of that unpleasant duty.
I have now re-read with some care the records of the session for the last five of the nine years of which I am now speaking, and with special reference to this subject.
I find that in these five years thirty-two were under discipline, several of them more than once.
No doubt so many coming into the church at one time, borne upon a current of enthusiasm which must soon somewhat abate, and many of them not having been well instructed in religious truth and duty under an established ministry, which they had not then long enjoyed, may in a measure account for not a few of the errors into which they fell — many of the charges against them seem to have been errors in regard to duty rather than immoralities of life.
And it is not impossible that the session, nearly all of whom, including the pastor, were without experience, may have entertained such views of their proper work and office that they were led to a minuteness of supervision and watchcare over the membership, too nearly like that required by the church in her childhood under the old dispensation, and not exactly in accordance with the manhood and liberty contemplated under the Gospel.
Although this pastorate is remembered now by the few of the aged members yet remaining with a great deal of satisfaction, and on the whole was certainly a wise and successful one, it is nevertheless too plain that at its close the church was far from being happy or harmonious.
The membership in this village when Mr. Rodgers came could not have been much over thirty; when he left it was about ninety.
The next three years and a half, till the coming of Mr. Newton, in September, 1832, while we find the names of quite a number of clergymen on the sessional records, mentioned simply as moderators, there were but two who supplied the church for any considerable time — these were Edwin Hall and Caleb B. Tracy.
Each of these gentlemen preached here about six months — Mr. Hall beginning in August, 1830, and Mr. Tracy the latter part of 1831.
The church, which had become almost dilapidated, was undergoing repairs when Mr. Hall arrived ; so he was obliged to preach for a time in the session house.
The repairs, including a new bell in the place of the old one, which had been cracked, were completed on the 1st of December, and a protracted meeting of considerable interest immediately followed.
Mr. Hall, a native I believe of Granville, in Washington county, supplied also, during the time that he was here, the church in Sandy Hill, preached occasionally at Fort Edward, and acted as a general missionary throughout Warren county.
TO BE CONTINUED ...
EDITED BY H. P. SMITH
1885
CHAPTER XXV. HISTORY OF THE PATENT AND TOWN OF QUEENSBURY., continued ...
CHURCHES., continued ...
The Presbyterian Church, continued ...
Nine years ago, in my Historical Sketch, the first discourse delivered in this house, I took occasion to refer to the great amount of discipline which was administered in 1828.
It astonished me that a session should have occasion for so much of that unpleasant duty.
I have now re-read with some care the records of the session for the last five of the nine years of which I am now speaking, and with special reference to this subject.
I find that in these five years thirty-two were under discipline, several of them more than once.
No doubt so many coming into the church at one time, borne upon a current of enthusiasm which must soon somewhat abate, and many of them not having been well instructed in religious truth and duty under an established ministry, which they had not then long enjoyed, may in a measure account for not a few of the errors into which they fell — many of the charges against them seem to have been errors in regard to duty rather than immoralities of life.
And it is not impossible that the session, nearly all of whom, including the pastor, were without experience, may have entertained such views of their proper work and office that they were led to a minuteness of supervision and watchcare over the membership, too nearly like that required by the church in her childhood under the old dispensation, and not exactly in accordance with the manhood and liberty contemplated under the Gospel.
Although this pastorate is remembered now by the few of the aged members yet remaining with a great deal of satisfaction, and on the whole was certainly a wise and successful one, it is nevertheless too plain that at its close the church was far from being happy or harmonious.
The membership in this village when Mr. Rodgers came could not have been much over thirty; when he left it was about ninety.
The next three years and a half, till the coming of Mr. Newton, in September, 1832, while we find the names of quite a number of clergymen on the sessional records, mentioned simply as moderators, there were but two who supplied the church for any considerable time — these were Edwin Hall and Caleb B. Tracy.
Each of these gentlemen preached here about six months — Mr. Hall beginning in August, 1830, and Mr. Tracy the latter part of 1831.
The church, which had become almost dilapidated, was undergoing repairs when Mr. Hall arrived ; so he was obliged to preach for a time in the session house.
The repairs, including a new bell in the place of the old one, which had been cracked, were completed on the 1st of December, and a protracted meeting of considerable interest immediately followed.
Mr. Hall, a native I believe of Granville, in Washington county, supplied also, during the time that he was here, the church in Sandy Hill, preached occasionally at Fort Edward, and acted as a general missionary throughout Warren county.
TO BE CONTINUED ...